Construction of major works in the city would also be sped up, and district leaders would be held more accountable.

“To deal with 37 traffic congestion spots, the responsibility of leaders should be increased,” Trần Quang Lâm, deputy director of the department, said at the meeting.

The department suggested that names, positions and mobile phone numbers of responsible people in traffic congestion should be compiled on a list, and if anything happens, they should take responsibility for the problems.

The department also asked to increase the responsibility of traffic police in traffic management and fines, and limit the number of cars and trucks entering downtown.

Also, Tân Sơn Nhất Airport could increase the number of night flights.

“Administrative offices should have working hours different from school hours. This would also help reduce traffic,” Lâm Huy Tấn, deputy chairman of District 4, said.

Tấn said that districts should closely monitor traffic and inform the department about any new congestion hotspots.

“It is necessary to fine those who are not able to fully implement their mission against traffic jams,” traffic expert Lâm Thiếu Quân said.

The 37 hotspots already have traffic lights 24 hours a day. The hotspots are divided into four groups with six spots downtown, six spots around Tân Sơn Nhất Airport, three at Cát Lái seaport, eight near the city’s gates, and 14 in other places.

The department urged bidders of construction works downtown to speed up construction and arrange traffic police to manage the situation.

Traffic cameras in Thủ Đức District and District 2 could also be installed.